Student nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the management of burn injuries at an institution of higher learning in Windhoek, Namibia

Sofia Mukondeli; Taimi Amakali-Nauiseb; Olivia Emvula

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20252829

Authors

Sofia Mukondeli School of Nursing and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia (UNAM), Windhoek, Namibia
Taimi Amakali-Nauiseb Department of Community and Mental Health Science, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
Olivia Emvula Department of General Nursing Science, School of Nursing and Public Health Alumni, University of Namibia Windhoek, Namibia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20252829

Keywords:

Attitudes, Burn injuries, Knowledge, Management, Practices, Student nurses

Abstract

Background: Health facilities in Windhoek, Namibia are equipped with almost all the equipment’s needed for managing burn injury patients. However, there is still a death rate of 5.43 per 100 000 patients admitted with burn injuries.

Methods: A cross -sectional descriptive study design with quantitative approaches was utilized, a structured questionnaire was completed.

Results: The respondents, results show that 84.7% (n=61) believe any of the registered nurses, enrolled nurse or doctor who was available can attend to burn patients first. In addition, 57.6% (n=41) wound not dress burn wounds aseptically, 68% (n=49) of the respondents would regard attending to burn injury patient as an emergency. 58.3% (n=42) would cover burn wounds with paraffin gauze. 63.9% (n=46) believe only flamazine should be applied on burn wound. 72.2% (n=52) believed one can offer burn patients with food and fluids and let them lie on the back. 63.9% (n=46) believed one cannot initiate a patient on oxygen if they reach 90% on room air, 90.3% believed they can irrigate burn wounds with water resulting from chemical burns with corrosive materials immediately. Furthermore, 56.9% (n=41) would not place a blood pressure cuff on the severely burn patient, however 43.1% (n=31) would place a blood pressure cuff on a severely burned patient.

Conclusions: It is important for both the institution of higher learning, student nurses, and stakeholders to intervene and promote the consistent knowledge attitudes and practices to enable students to manage burn injuries.

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